Linebacker (6)
Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, AJ Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Andre Smith, Tyrel Dodson
Cuts: Del’Shawn Phillips, Corey Thompson, Vosean Joseph
Here’s where we can connect Winters into our changes in this final roster projection. Previously, the Bills keep five linebackers. Only keeping five wouldn’t be the worst thing because McDermott mostly runs a defense with two starting linebackers. However, keeping six would be a more comfortable feeling for the coaching staff and give the team more options for special teamers. So without Winters, Tyrel Dodson is your beneficiary, making the cut.
Previously the Bills stuck by Dodson’s off-field issues and during this year’s training camp, he’s showed versatility as a special teamer and on defense as a backup to both starting spots. That gives Dodson an edge on a guy like Vosean Joseph.Corey Thompson has shown versatility to spell both Edmunds and Milano over the recent years, but he’s missed some time recently in camp due to injury and Dodson is a younger option.
Speaking of special teams, Tyler Matakevich will likely only see time as a special teamer. During his career he’s been great there, but not a great linebacker. Andre Smith, recently traded for by the team isn’t a lock, but why trade for him if you didn’t expect him to come in and play special teams since that’s what he does?
Then we have Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano and AJ Klein. Those guys have been locks since Day 1, especially Edmunds and Milano. Klein isn’t the pass rusher Lorenzo Alexander was, but he can replace him in coverage and might even be a better run stopper.
AJ Takeaway 👏👏
Klein's INT turns into 3 points as @wil_lutz5 puts it through ⚜️
3-0 #Saints | #SaintsGameday pic.twitter.com/SltLKzH5Lk
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 18, 2019